Work Permits in Switzerland (cross-border guide)

Swiss work permits guide for cross-border workers: G permit, B permit, requirements, procedures and practical differences.

The work permits comparison analyses the operational differences between G permit (cross-border, 5 years with a contract over one year) and B permit (residence, 5 years): taxation, access to services, right of stay, and implications for the family.

The choice between G and B permit depends on distance from the border, family situation, fiscal circumstances, and expected duration of Swiss employment. This tool helps weigh the pros and cons of each scenario.

The comparison also covers pension implications (AVS, LPP, unemployment insurance), family member residence rights, and the impact on both Italian and Swiss taxation.

This page is part of Frontaliere Ticino, the reference platform for cross-border workers between Switzerland (Canton Ticino) and Italy. Find practical tools, updated data, and verified information.

Content is designed to help cross-border workers make informed decisions about taxation, pensions, transportation, cost of living, and administrative procedures.

All tools and data are updated for the 2026 fiscal year, reflecting the New Bilateral Tax Agreement between Switzerland and Italy, current AVS/LPP contribution rates, and Canton Ticino withholding tax tables.

The platform covers the complete cross-border worker lifecycle: from obtaining your G or B permit and opening a Swiss bank account, to filing your annual tax returns in both countries, planning your AVS and LPP pension, and comparing the cost of living on both sides of the border.

Frequently asked questions

What are the requirements to obtain a cross-border G permit?
The EU/EFTA G permit covers residents of the EU/EFTA working in Switzerland who return to their foreign home at least weekly. Border zones for this permit have been abolished; the fiscal 20 km condition is separate. https://www.sem.admin.ch/sem/it/home/themen/aufenthalt/eu_efta/ausweis_g_eu_efta.html
How long does the G permit last and how is it renewed?
For EU/EFTA citizens, G permits last five years for permanent contracts or contracts exceeding one year; shorter contracts have matching validity. Work up to three months per calendar year follows the notification procedure. Renewal requires the cantonal procedure and continued eligibility. https://www.sem.admin.ch/sem/it/home/themen/aufenthalt/eu_efta/ausweis_g_eu_efta.html
What is the difference between the G permit and the B permit?
G permits concern residence abroad and at least weekly return; B permits concern residence in Switzerland. The permit alone does not determine taxation: G holders may qualify as old fiscal frontier workers, new ones or fall outside the agreement. Compare actual residence, income and household costs rather than using a universal salary threshold. https://www.estv.admin.ch/dam/it/sd-web/Zbr5Jb-40aYm/int-laender-it-faktenblatt-faqs-it.pdf
Can a cross-border worker with a G permit change jobs freely?
Yes, with a G permit an EU citizen can change employer freely. However, the new employer must report the hire to the Migration Office, which will update the permit.
How much does the cross-border G permit cost?
In Ticino, EU/EFTA G permit issuance and renewal cost CHF 75 for adults and CHF 40 for minors. Job changes, other procedures and other nationalities have different fees; consult the SPOP schedule. https://www4.ti.ch/di/spop/stranieri/richiesta-nuovo-g/

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